Category: P

Adjective used to describe a gene that affects more than one trait (apparently unrelated) characteristic of the phenotype (appearance of an organism). For example, biologist David Ho in 1993 discovered a single gene in the barley (Hordeum vulgare) plant that controls the traits of the plant’s height, drought resistance, strength, and time to maturity.  

An angiogenic growth factor produced by the blood’s platelet cells which attracts the growth of capillaries into the vicinity of a fresh wound. This action releases still other growth factors, and starts the process of building a fibrin network, to support the subsequent (blood) clot. PDGF is a competence factor (i.e., a growth factor that…

An independent, stable, self-replicating piece of DNA inside a plant cell that is not a part of the normal cell genome (i.e., in nucleus). Because there can exist up to 10,000 plastids in a given plant cell, the insertion of a gene (e.g., via genetic engineering) into plastids can result in a higher yield (of…

Another name for a blast cell. The malignant cells found in the bone marrow and occasionally in the blood of persons with multiple myeloma.  

A thin structure that completely surrounds the cell as a “skin.” They may be seen with the aid of an electron microscope. The entire membrane appears to be about 100 Angstroms (Å; 0.1 μm) thick and is composed of two dark lines each about 30 A thick which are, however, separated by a lighter area.…

The new (novel) trait added to a plant (e.g., crop plant such as cotton, com/maize, soybean, etc.). Example novel traits are herbicide-tolerance (via CP4 EPSPS, PAT gene, etc.), insect resistance (via B.t. gene, cholesterol oxidase gene, etc.), resistance to aluminum toxicity (via CSb gene, etc.), among others.  

A law passed by the United States’ Congress in 1970 that enables intellectual property protection (analogous to patent protection) for new seed plants and seeds in America.  

An organic compound that is synthesized in minute quantities by the plant. It influences and regulates plant physiological processes. Also called a phytochrome. The four general types of hormones that together influence cell division, enlargement, and differentiation are the auxins, gibberellins, kinins, and abscisic acid.  

The intellectual property rights that are legally accorded to plant breeders by laws, treaties, etc. Similar to patent law for inventors.  

One of the endocrine glands, it lies beneath the hypothalamus (at the base of the brain). Along with the other endocrine glands, the pituitary helps to control long-term bodily processes. This control is accomplished via interdependent secretion of hormones along with the other glands comprising the total endocrine system. For example, the pituitary helps to…